Abstract

Topical airway application of local anesthetics is used to blunt autonomic responses to intubation and to reduce coughing, bucking, and possible bronchospasm. In this study, laryngotracheal anesthesia (LTA) with etidocaine aerosol was evaluated. Techniques of Exploratory Data Analysis were used to illuminate the data and allow for interpretation of clinical relevance by the reader. Results indicate that etidocaine aerosol LTA blunted tachycardia response to intubation, 50 mg etidocaine appears to be the optimal dose, and etidocaine effects we observed are exerted topically rather than systemically.